Scientists making whoopee at riverside festival

Thursday 12 June 2008 11:41 BST

Scientists plan to build world's largest whoopee cushion beside the Thames this weekend.

In a bid to make science and engineering attractive to children, researchers from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council plan to construct a three-metre-wide cushion, breaking the world record in the process.

Once it is built, volunteers will be invited to sit on the enormous "musical" cushion to demonstrate how wind instruments work.

The stunt is part of a festival called Street Vibe, which will also feature a demonstration of how sound engineering can make singers sound better and an art installation that makes music from the shadows of passers-by.

Jane Reck from the council said: "Street Vibe aims to highlight the importance of engineering and the many different ways in which it can be used in our everyday lives."

Most of the festival's events are being held at The Scoop beside City Hall.